Sycophancy

Pronunciation: /ˈsɪkəˌfænsi/

Definitions of sycophancy

noun excessive flattery or praise in order to gain favor or advantage

Example Sentences

A1 Sycophancy is when someone flatters others to gain favor.

A2 The politician was known for his sycophancy towards the party leader.

B1 Her sycophancy towards her boss earned her a promotion.

B2 The CEO saw through the sycophancy of his employees and valued honesty instead.

C1 The culture of sycophancy in the company made it difficult for employees to speak their minds.

C2 The journalist's exposé on political sycophancy caused a stir in the government.

Examples of sycophancy in a Sentence

formal The politician was surrounded by a group of people known for their sycophancy.

informal I can't stand all the sycophancy in the office, everyone is always trying to impress the boss.

slang The sycophancy at the party was so obvious, it was cringeworthy.

figurative His sycophancy towards the celebrity was so over-the-top, it was like he was worshipping them.

Grammatical Forms of sycophancy

• past tense: sycophancied
• plural: sycophancies
• comparative: more sycophantic
• superlative: most sycophantic
• present tense: sycophancies
• future tense: will sycophancy
• perfect tense: has sycophancied
• continuous tense: is sycophancing
• singular: sycophancy
• positive degree: sycophantic
• infinitive: to sycophancy
• gerund: sycophancing
• participle: sycophancying

Origin and Evolution of sycophancy

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'sycophancy' originated from ancient Greece, where 'sykophantes' referred to informers or accusers.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'sycophancy' shifted in meaning from informers to flatterers or those who seek favor through excessive praise or flattery.